West Virginia Senate President calls out out-of-state gun lobby group for harassment

West Virginia Senate President Kills Machine Gun Bill

West Virginia Senate President Kills Machine Gun Bill, iStock-525735226 In a move that has triggered debate among gun rights advocates and lawmakers, West Virginia Senate Bill 1071, commonly referred to as the “Machine Gun Bill,” will not proceed in the current legislative session. Senate President Randy Smith (R-Preston) announced his decision to block the bill, citing what he calls significant legal and drafting issues rather than any oppositi…

West Virginia Senate President calls out out-of-state gun lobby group for harassment

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WOWK) -- West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith released a statement Friday defending his senators from an out-of-state gun lobby group.  Just before Crossover Day, a bill to enable state troopers to sell machine guns to civilians was taken up by the Senate Judiciary Committee. Senate Bill 1071's intent would conflict with federal law, which prohibits the sale of machine [...]

Smith shoots straight, takes full responsibility for stopping ‘poorly drafted’ WV machine gun bill

Sen. Chris Rose (left) stands with Senate President Randy Smith during the West Virginia Senate’s floor session on March 5, 2026. Rose, R-Monongalia, is the lead sponsor of Senate Bill 1071, which would allow for the State Police to sell machine guns to residents. On Friday, Smith said he was responsible for stalling the bill’s progression in the Legislature. (Photo by Will Price/West Virginia Legislative Photography)West Virginia Senate Preside…

Senate President Smith blocks ‘Machine Gun Bill,’ citing legal concerns — not opposition to 2nd Amendment

West Virginia Senate President Randy Smith (R-Preston) says his decision to block a bill nicknamed “the Machine Gun Bill” is based on legal and drafting concerns, not a change in his position on Second Amendment issues.